May 11, 2017

Tata companies showcase over 3,300 implemented innovations, doubling over two years

Significant number of digital-led Innovations

Advanced R&D at the intersection of biology, computing and materials

Mumbai: Tata companies have showcased over 3,300 implemented innovations in its annual Innovista programme, representing a growth of 110 percent in two years. A significant number of these innovations incorporate digital technologies, particularly in the areas of industrial automation, customer experience enhancement and advanced engineering simulations, the Tata group said today.

Commenting on the rate of innovation in Tata companies, Dr Gopichand Katragadda, group chief technology officer, Tata Sons, said, “Our industries are in in the midst of tectonic shifts driven by the democratisation of digital, automation of decisions, and a focus on the environment. The Tata group has continued to lead in intellectual property generation from artificial intelligence to microbiomics and from driver assist technologies to new 2D materials. I am happy to see the Tata group companies leverage digital extensively in their innovations, while also pushing the limits of adopting emerging science and materials.”

The implemented innovations include new products, new services, core processes, support processes and design.

Indian Hotels showcased the Taj VR experience and Taj.Live, both of which employ digital tools to enhance customer service processes through immersive experiences and social listening. TCS demonstrated Access Infinity, incorporating digital workflow and functionality to enable accessible media for the print disabled.

Digital innovations in the engineering simulation were well showcased by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), which used 3D simulations of automotive components’ performance under virtual road conditions to significantly improve design timelines. JLR also presented pedestrian automatic braking system using a stereo camera and algorithms for driver assist.

Companies also showcased advanced R&D at the intersection of biology, computing and materials. Superhydrophobic material coatings by Tata Steel Europe attempted a coating technology using proteins produced by bacteria to prevent corrosion for organic coated steel. TCS presented potentially revolutionary microbiome-based bio-markers to flag those at a high risk for preterm birth and those at high risk for colorectal cancer.

These innovations were showcased through the multi-stage and multi-country Tata Innovista 2017, a group-wide programme held annually by the Tata Innovation Forum (TIF). The TIF is tasked with encouraging the culture of innovation in Tata companies, and Tata Innovista is the platform which recognises outstanding innovations by Tata companies under four broad categories: implemented innovations, piloted technologies, dare to try, and design honour.

Implemented innovations are those that have been successfully implemented and have accrued benefits to the businesses. Piloted technologies are at various stages of development and promise to deliver significant benefits after implementation. The dare to try category comprises courageous attempts that did not achieve the desired results but have potential for success. The design honour category comprises innovations focusing on design thinking.

Tata Innovista 2017 Awards

From 52 Tata companies from across 22 countries who submitted their projects in Tata Innovista 2017, 36 Tata companies reached the second round. The projects in the second round, held in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, London, Novi (USA), and Bangkok, were judged by eminent external experts, and 51 teams from 18 Tata companies were shortlisted for the final global round that took place in Mumbai.

The awards for the implemented innovations category, including its sub-categories, were given to: